Do You Want Non farmers making farm policy?

These Comments were gathered after a recent GMO meeting organized with Council woman Marget Willie presenting her view on Bill 79

No big surprise’s, It’s basically either you support bill 79 or your supporting Monsanto…Really, how do they figure! We’re not entitled to have our own thoughts and educated opinion about what affects our farms and ranches, very sad to see farmers being pitted against other farmers. there is no need for this fight, We shouldnt have to choose between being organic, GMO or conventional…We’re all farmers and we can coexist!

Hector Valenzuela is the messiah preaching the same old small scale organic gardening and agro-ecological subsistence models from the 90s that economically lead no where in Hawaii.  If it hasn’t worked yet, why would it now.

Trying to get beyond the issue of Monsanto did not work. The disscusion of sound science and policy making to enhance food self sufficiency and to grow more successful farmers in Hawaii; fell on deaf ears.

Clearly Bill 79 is not about helping Hawaii’s farmers or rancher be sustainable its about glory and trying to crucify “Big Ag” none of which will Bill 79 impact in the sligest way…She is using the bill to send a message to the seed companies in Hawaii. It will only impact us, our way of life and our ability to farm as we choose!

Vote No on Bill 79 Hawaii County Council, Please Support All Local farmers!

Farmers needto show up to testify on July 2nd and testify about their positions on the GMO matter and Bill 79  as most of the testimony is likely to come from non farmers.. Do you want non farmers or ranchers deciding Your farms policy?

Hawaii Island Farmers, Ranchers Rally Against Bill 79

Press Release

 

Hawaii Island farmers and ranchers will unite in a rally in opposition of County bill 79 on Friday June 28^th at 2pm in front of Hilo County building. The Hawaii Papaya Industry Association, Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association, Big Island Banana Growers Association, Hawaii Dairy, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council will join forces in solidarity to convey to the County Council the importance of allowing farmers, nursery growers, ranchers and retail businesses to have free choices in their livelihood.

 

These organizations represent approximately 600 local businesses with 2000 employees. Collectively, they contribute $130 million to the island’s economy.

 

“The bill contains no rhyme or reason,” according to Richard Ha, an island farmer who opposes bill 79. “We should be feeding Hawaii’s people but this bill is pitting people against farmers. We just want to have the freedom to farm.”

 

Hawaii Island farmers, ranchers and business members take health and safety very seriously. They believe that free choice in agricultural practices will enable organic farmers to work collaboratively with those who employ agricultural technology so that all local businesses are at liberty to earn a living, feed their families and provide for economic and food security on the local level.

 

The organizations that will rally, who sometimes refer to themselves as Freedom Farmers, seek a way to communicate with others about ways to come together to find solutions that allow all to farm on Hawaii Island.